A/HRC/53/26/Add.1
of ordinary Polish people with Ukrainian refugees, there is no refugee camp in the
country.
87.
Despite the strong commitment demonstrated by the Polish Government to
provide shelter to all Ukrainian refugees, the Special Rapporteur is concerned about
the sustainability of the current housing model, which is heavily dependent on the
generosity of individuals and private donors. It remains challenging for the most
vulnerable to find proper shelter, including those with physical or mental disabilities,
older persons, single mothers with multiple children, persons belonging to ethnic
minority groups and third-country nationals.
88.
While Ukrainian refugees are generally well-supported, the realities for
migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees from other countries of origin appears to be very
different as the applicable legal framework and the consequent entitlements are not the
same. Third-country nationals in need of assistance, who cannot benefit from the wide
range of support and financial aids designated for Ukrainians, face discrimination and
heightened difficulties in obtaining residence permits and proper shelter and must rely
on assistance provided by private or international humanitarian actors. In this regard,
the Special Rapporteur recommends that:
(a)
The Polish Government conducts a comprehensive assessment of the
housing needs of all refugees, taking into consideration the potentially high number of
new arrivals as a result of developments related to the war in Ukraine, weather
conditions and other factors;
(b)
Realistic plans be made to ensure the concrete delivery of the clear and
strong commitment made by the Polish authorities “not to leave any Ukrainian without
a roof over their heads”;
(c)
Assistance needed from the international community, especially the
European Union be identified; in this regard, the Special Rapporteur also calls on
relevant actors to provide all necessary assistance and support;
(d)
Schooling capacity be taken into consideration when making
accommodation plans so as to avoid pressure on the education system in big cities;
(e)
Obstacles faced by refugee women to legal abortion be addressed;
(f)
Measures be adopted to ensure protection and assistance of third-country
nationals seeking asylum in Poland and any discriminatory practices be discouraged.
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GE.23-06742